5 Ways You Can Keep Your Mind Healthy and Happy This Summer

Emotional health is important. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to push thoughts of it aside. This summer, commit to nurturing your mind to keep it healthy and happy. These five suggestions can give you a great place to start. 

1. Focus on Food for Thought

Your mind will be healthier, happier, and better able to steer your body in the right direction if you give it the nutrients it needs. Focus on brain-boosting foods like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.

If you aren't getting enough through food alone, you may want to consider supplementing your diet. Le-Vel Thrive reviews show that adding essential nutrients along with antioxidants and herbal supplements can provide many of the same benefits. 

Caffeine can also be a great addition to your diet. Beyond giving you a quick boost of energy, it also increases mental clarity and focus and can help you pay attention better. Some research has shown it can also improve your mood, so go ahead and sip that cup of coffee, savoring every last health benefit. 

2. Learn a New Skill

Is there something you've always wanted to do, but just haven't had the chance? Make time to learn that new skill this summer to foster brain health. 

Learning something new helps with cognitive function. It may even help keep some forms of dementia at bay. When you learn something new, your mind makes new connections, which means it can now learn faster. 

It is also an interesting way to fight boredom and boost your confidence. Both of those can help you conquer listlessness and certain symptoms of depression. 

Don't know where to start? Try taking a class at a local community center or college. It can also be helpful to check specialty stores for upcoming clinics or workshops. 

3. Plant a Garden

The summer is a great time to enjoy the bounty produced by your own garden. Gardening can produce a wealth of benefits for your mind. It boosts your mood and helps to relieve stress. 

Stress is the enemy of a healthy and happy mind. When you experience stress, your body reacts by producing cortisol. Elevated levels of this chemical can, over time, decrease brain function. It has even been shown to shrink the brain, resulting in lower levels of cognitive functioning. That certainly doesn't sound like a happy healthy mind. 

Joining a community garden can increase these benefits by adding in a sense of belonging. There, you will be able to share information and experiences along with seeds, plants, and tools. The sense of community that shared garden spaces provide encourages supportive and healthy relationships, which are definitely good for your emotional health. 

4.Practice Mindfulness

There has been a lot of talk about mindfulness lately. And for good reason. In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being fully present in and aware of the moment. One of the greatest benefits of mindfulness is acceptance and forgiveness, both of which are important for a healthy mind. 

Techniques like breath meditation and progressive relaxation are great tools for getting started with it. Nature is greening up, making the summer a wonderful time to enjoy an outdoor yoga class or tai chi in the park session. Even if you are completely new to them, the sense of acceptance and community that comes with practicing mindfulness will have you moving right along with everyone else there. 

5. Get Your Heart Pumping

Your brain uses a huge amount of oxygen, and that is delivered by your blood. So, get your heart pumping with some aerobic exercise. It being summer is a great reason to head to a local pool for some laps. 

If you prefer to stay on land, head out for a morning jog before the day gets too warm. Running is great for your body, but it also has psychological benefits. You'll feel uplifted, energized, and ready to tackle the rest of your day prepared. 

The summer heat can quickly sap your energy, leaving you feeling restless and bored. Instead of letting that build, find creative ways to improve the health and happiness of your mind this summer.